As part of the efforts by the Federal Capital Territory Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project to develop a sustainable Catchment Management Plan (CMP) for theTerritory, the Project Office, in collaboration with Ultikonsults Limited, organized a meeting to engage with stakeholders.

Held at Chelsea Hotel, Abuja, the meeting brought together representatives of traditional institutions, religious leaders, women groups, government agencies and environment-based organizations to interact and perspectives on the plan.

In her opening remarks, Project Coordinator, FCT ACReSAL, Mrs. Caroline Opara emphasized the significance of the stakeholder engagement meeting, stating that its purpose was to gather diverse views and create an inclusive Catchment Management Plan, responsive to the needs of local communities.

Opara described the CMP as an integral aspect of the ACReSAL project that is hinged on optimizing watershed utilisation to enhance community livelihoods. In her words, “Today’s engagement marks a crucial milestone in our journey towards sustainable catchment management in the FCT. Your inputs will shape the plan, ensuring it addresses the needs and concerns of your communities.”

She emphasized the projects’ Commitment to community-driven development, underscoring the importance of stakeholder participation and ownership in shaping the Catchment Management Plan. “We recognize that developing an effective Catchment Management Plan requires collective responsibility and action. We believe that your contributions in this meeting and other engagements you have been having with our consultants on the projects will guide our interventions.” Opara noted.

Also speaking at the event, Garba Musa from the ACReSAL Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) reinforced the importance of community involvement, stressing that as a community-driven project, ACReSAL cannot achieve its objectives without the active participation of the stakeholders. “As a community-driven project, ACReSAL cannot achieve its objectives without your active participation. This plan will be yours, owned and implemented by you, so I urge you to take this engagement seriously and bare your minds on any issue you want addressed, “Garba stressed.

During the technical session, Professor Babagana Muhammad, lead consultant, Ultikonsults Limited, presented a comprehensive overview of the Catchment Management Plan, describing it as a holistic approach that will help boost agricultural productivity, foster environmental sustainability, and elevate community livelihoods.

He disclosed that Ultikonsults has been conducting extensive fieldwork, engaging with all 10 selected catchments, gathering valuable community feedback. He assured that the participation of Government and Non-Governmental Organizations in the engagement meeting will facilitate better understanding and strengthen implementation of the plan.

Participants actively contributed to the discussions, stressing the need for greater synergy, while raising critical concerns on issues related to effective waste management, water pollution, drainage control and flooding mitigation, farmer-pastoralist conflicts, capacity building on Climate change resilience and adaptation strategies.

The meeting concluded with participants demonstrating resolve to support the ongoing engagement and efforts of ACReSAL to develop an inclusive, acceptable and effective plan for the FCT.